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J.K.
Hoffman
Friend, Neighbor
A MAJOR reason Califon is the fine place it is now.
There are not enough words that
can describe all the things that Ken did for this borough. This was his lifelong home. Born in his parent's house on Second
and Pershing Street, Ken resided here all his life, except for a time when he was serving his country during World War II
and the resultant occupation of Japan.
Returning home, he dedicated his life to serving the people he grew up with,
by returning to the area the blessings he received. He skillfully used his ability to help his neighbors (he did not have
customer per-ce, but had friends he helped out), It did not matter if you lived in Califon forever or you were new to the
area. You could expect that the job would be done correctly because JK "was particular!" It had to be done right the first
time. His word was his bond -- Jk -- a man to be respected
Ken also found time to volunteer. He was a councilman, a
LONGTIME member of the Califon Fire Company, and always doing for the town's well being. Few knew that it was neighbor Ken
Hoffman who secured an U.S. Army water transport trailers when the well got drained in 1978 and there was no city water for
four days. Many a night he had to go out in the cold when pipes broke in the streets.
J.K. was a competitor, be it
his race cars, or the time he "taught the youngsters a lesson," when he won the special Sprint Car race while serving as a
member of his #3 son's (David) racing crew.
Ken was a family man -- married for 56 years to Bernice, and patient loving
father to Ken, Jim and Dave.
Words to describe Ken are easy; Mentor, Teacher, Citizen, Engineer, Perfectionist, Entrepreneur
are a few -- there are more. But two about sum it up.
Friend and Neighbor.
JK, physically we may be separated,
but you are a part of me and my family. In Califon, Our Past is Our Future. Califon is the place it is because you were part
of it. And that, my friend is something special!
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